If you’ve had a survey of your drainage system, understanding drain condition reports can be tricky if you’re unsure about what to expect. Whether buying a property, dealing with unexpected drainage issues or planning construction work, knowing how to interpret drain survey results is key. This allows you to understand the condition of underground drainage pipes connected to your property.
If you need help decoding drain survey data, here’s your starter guide.
What is a drain report?
A drain report is the written summary of your drainage survey, often carried out using CCTV technology to provide visual evidence alongside any explanations. The camera is fed into the full length of the system to inspect the condition from inside the pipes. It helps identify issues like cracks, blockages, collapsed pipes and poor water flow.
Clients request CCTV drain reports for a variety of reasons, including property purchases, renovation projects and persistent drainage problems. The specialist cameras used are connected to software that records the footage captured and maps out the system. The videos and photographs gathered aid commentary from your drain surveyor.
Drain condition report insights – what are the key elements of drain reports?
Your exact drain inspection report details will depend on the type of survey you’ve requested and its purpose. Key sections can cover elements such as the drain system layout, pipe conditions, defects, images, videos and drainage grading (indicating the urgency of defects found). It may also include drain survey recommendations, such as drain relining, excavating or water jetting to remove blockages.
Common drain report terminology includes system features like ‘manhole cover’, ‘branch connection’ (where a pipe joins to another drain or building outlet) and ‘gully’ (a small inlet that collects surface water runoff). You’ll also see terms associated with issues and defects like ‘fracture’ (a crack or break in the system) and ‘obstruction’ (a blockage like tree roots or leaves in the drain).
Will you get a drain report explanation from your surveyor?
Common issues in drain reports are lack of explanations, so always ask when hiring a drain surveyor about what you’ll see in your report. That’s where drain report visual aids come in handy, so check whether there will be photos or video footage to support the data or analysis provided.
The drain survey report structure will depend on the provider. Good drain survey companies will walk you through the findings in person or over the phone if requested to help you understand the implications. If you need any help understanding drainage terminology, don’t hesitate to ask for further clarification.
Whether you need drain survey terms explained, help reading drain survey graphs or want support with drain report follow-up actions, always speak directly to your surveyor.
Book a new drain report in London and Essex
The Drain Survey Company provides clear, high-quality and professional CCTV drain reports in locations like Waltham Forest and Woodford. To book a new drain survey, get in touch.
